Dedicated, most appropriately, to Laurel and Hardy and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Master of the White Worms introduces the vererable detective, Dalton Quayle and his able assistant and chronicler, Dr. Humphrey Pemberton.

The tight, vivid writing and tense action sequences in this novel will appeal to all ages. It's a literary romp sure to please.
 

What can I say? This book is bloody brilliant. Dedicated, most appropriately, to Laurel and Hardy and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Master of the White Worms introduces the venerable detective, Dalton Quayle and his able assistant and chronicler, Dr. Humphrey Pemberton. Readers who are reminded of Dangermouse by that last name won't be far off the mark, although this is more a detective character than a secret agent one. This is a PG-13 book, with mild references to suggestive subjects. The tight, vivid writing and tense action sequences in this novel will appeal to all ages. It's a literary romp sure to please.

The book is riddled with subtle and not-so-subtle nods to Doyle, Lovecraft, Walter de la Mare and Laurel and Hardy, among other famous characters or personalities. Part of the fun is picking them out. Most, however, is derived from simply going along for the ride as Paul Kane takes us on a madcap journey through two delightful tales of intrigue, mystery and sidesplitting commentary by the wonderful Pemberton.

The first, the Master of the White Worms, is a Missing person case. Mr Meadows, groundskeeper for Willerby Manor, is not to be found. What is found, among the scent of fish and the copious catholic accouterments, is that something is seriously fishy about Willorby Manor. Not to mention Willerby, himself.

After searching through the late Mrs. Willerby's drawers Dalton Qualye, Mrs. Meadows and Pemberton go on the prerequisite midnight romp through the mysterious Manor. In an underground passage beneath the groundskeeper's hut the find the horrible truth. Quayle rises to the occasion and they manage to emerge with their skin intact, their client's husband and their repertoire of worm puns exhausted.

Yes, the second story is just as good. It's a little ditty involving dangerous Sheepshanks, Redemptions, elephant guns, Australian devices, and the occasional Monty Python reference (always a plus).

Please don't miss the interview with Amanda Edwards or the Paul Kane Gallery. He's an accomplished caricature artist. The article, "Don't Mention the War", is an essay on Faulty Towers first published in Classic Television Magazine, rounds off this novel. In depth, clever and entertaining, it's well worth a read.

I give this book a 5. I can only say I wish there had been more of Dalton Quayle.

ISBN 1-894953-17-7 from Creative Guy Publishing